NSW SES Deputy Commissioner Debbie Platz says it’s the last chance to prepare homes before the heavy weather hits. Photo: SES Media.
Illawarra residents must prepare their homes for high rainfall and potential flooding as the epicentre of an east coast low approaches the region, an SES spokesperson said this morning (1 July).
The strongest part of the system is expected to hit the Illawarra and South Coast from noon on Tuesday (1 July) and continue to intensify through the afternoon and overnight into Wednesday (2 July).
The dangerous weather is likely to persist until Thursday. It is still not known which communities will feel the brunt of the storm.
That makes it even more important for everybody to prepare themselves and their homes.
“It really depends on where this system goes, and that’s hard to predict,” NSW SES Deputy Commissioner Debbie Platz said.
“A Watch and Act warning is in place, and there is a significant risk of flash flooding.
“We expect rain to be rapid and heavy. We need everybody to stay prepared.
“Tie down loose items, make sure your gutters are clean, move your cars away from trees. Have an emergency kit and medical kit ready. Have a communication plan in place with family and friends in case you need to evacuate.”
The Bureau of Meteorology said wind gusts of 125 km/h could be expected for Sydney and as far south as Jervis Bay and gusts in excess of 200 km/h were not unlikely.
Rainfall in some areas may exceed 200 mm.
The heaviest rain is expected to hit on Tuesday afternoon and into Wednesday, according to the BoM. Image: BoM.
To aid preparation, sandbag stations are available at several locations.
In Wollongong, Bellambi Boat Ramp Overflow carpark; Fairy Meadow Beach carpark; Fred Finch Park carpark, Berkeley; Rex Jackson Oval, Walker Street, Helensburgh; and Kanahooka Park carpark, Kanahooka Rd, Dapto will have sand.
Shellharbour residents can collect sand from Albion Park Show Ground and the Myimbarr soccer field carpark at Flinders.
A limited number of bags will be provided; residents are highly encouraged to bring their own.
Reusable shopping bags and pillowcases can be used in a pinch.
Council staff have also cleared known flooding hotspots such as prescribed dams, trash racks across the city, the headwall at the south end of Thirroul Beach and the Charcoal Creek culvert in Unanderra.
More than 1200 SES volunteers are already on the ground offering help. Helicopters and high clearance vehicles are stationed at Albion Park and Kiama.
“This system is very dynamic, fast-moving and different to recent events,” Deputy Commissioner Platz said.
“As the system tracks southward we expect it to cause riverine flooding from minor to moderate in some areas.
“Because this system is so widespread we need everybody to stay informed for their local area via the SES website, BoM website, or the Hazards Near Me app.”
